Pray for (FYROM) Macedonia


Listed 8-31-10

While seeking out information on present conditions in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, I received the following letter from a very knowledgeable Christian worker in Macedonia. Marshall Rich’s letter can help guide our prayers for Macedonia.

Here is some general information.
Macedonia is primarily Orthodox Christian and the majority view protestant Christianity as a sect. This sometimes (or oftentimes) results in born-again followers of Christ to be persecuted by neighbors and even family members. Persecution is not physical, but often psychological persecution in the form of name-calling, rejection, and talking behind one's back can be equally devastating.

2/3 of the population is Macedonian and that translates to nearly 2/3 Orthodox Christian. 30% are Albanian which are nearly all strict muslims. There is also a large Roma Gypsy population which is primarily muslim but with fortune-telling/magic arts/superstition intermixed with their faith.

There seems to be a religious rivalry between Orthodox Christianity and Islam. They compete for bigger religious structures in prime areas and even after the war in Kosovo in 2001 some churches/mosques were destroyed by fanatics/patriots. There are cities/villages which are exclusively Albanian and others exclusively Macedonian. Tensions exist. Some cities are mixed but with separate areas of business/residence.

In this region ethnicity is tied to faith. It is expected if you are ____ then you are _____. If you are Macedonian then you are Orthodox. It is not as much as a personal endeavor as it is heritage.

The true Church is Christ is alive and present although numbers are small. Zero churches exist among the Albanians, although some Albanians attend evangelical churches of primarily Macedonian composition. There are several strong established churches among the Roma gypsies. I enjoy attending services there and appreciate strong adherence to the Bible and sound preaching. The gypsies are more open to listening to Christ but are also open to other doctrines such as the Jehovah's Witness church growing among the Roma.

A prior Macedonian President was a Methodist which had a profound effect on acceptance of protestant faiths, especially after his tragic death in a plane crash. Baptist missionaries are active in several cities. Primarily the churches are overseen by Macedonian elders, many of whom have degrees in theology. Sound doctrine. Good leadership. Excellent Biblical preaching.

Problems in the church are lack of finances. Macedonian has high unemployment and most churches are funded from foreign countries. Tithes are insufficient. Largest denomination is called Evangelical, holding doctrine like Alliance churches or somewhat like Assemblies of God. They have the most churches established and have dedicated pastors.

-Praise points: domestic leadership of the churches, nationals are pastoring, ministering
-prayer points: Albanians to come to Christ, to overcome cultural and ethnic barriers, for the church to be support itself, for Christians to work hard and be employed, for fearless testimony of Christ in the face of rejection,

Hope this helps,
Salutation in Christ,
Marshall Rich, - Read More at http://macedoniamissions.com/

1) With the Macedonians mainly being Orthodox and regarding Evangelicals as a sect, then let us pray that the Evangelicals would, with love and acts of righteousness, earn the right to speak into the culture.
2) We thank the Lord for the former president that was a Methodist and how the Lord used his death to soften hearts toward the Protestants. Let us pray for more events within the culture that can change attitudes and reveal the true motivation of Jesus and His church.
3) Let us pray for the present President, Gjorge Ivanov. May the Lord surround him with wise counselors.
4) Lord, we ask that You strengthen Your saints in their days of persecution. James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
5) Let us pray for peaceful co-existence between the ethnic Macedonians and the Albanians. May they learn how to respect one another.
6) Let us pray for the Albanian population, especially since they are mainly Muslim. Lord, protect those few Albanians that have become Christians and give them open doors to testify of Your great joy and salvation.
7) Let us pray for directed evangelism and/or acts of kindness toward the Albanian population; even involvement from foreign Christians. Raise up intercessors, senders (givers) and goers.
8) Lord, we ask that the Churches be strengthened and be a safe place for people to receive healing and enjoy their salvation.
9) The report is that many pastors and church leaders are on a solid foundation. Lord, may You continue to bless Macedonia. Lord, we ask for an economic blessing also. May barriers to productivity be reduced so prosperity can flow into the country.
10) May the Christians be blessed with wisdom to influence the culture spiritually and economically. Lord, raise up godly gatekeepers and give them wisdom and resources to bring wealth into the cities so poverty can be reduced.

More News of Macedonia at http://freebalkans.com/Macedonia.html

Pray for Greece

Greece's gross domestic product contracted by 3.5% in the second quarter from a year earlier ... sending unemployment rates to above 12% of the work force ...

The International Monetary Fund predicts the jobless rate will reach 14.8% by 2012. But some labor experts fear that before long, one in five Greek workers could be without jobs.

1. Let us pray for a reversal of the above economic forecast. Lord if this is Your judgment, we pray that Greeks would humble themselves, repent of not seeking You and now seek Your wisdom. May they see they can no longer trust in their plans.
2. Let us pray for Greece Rev. 2:4-5 “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”
3. Lord, we pray for mercy for the Greek people. Once they carried the lamp of God and showed Europe the joy of salvation. Now Lord, they need their lamp lighted again.
4. Lord, we pray that You will light fires throughout the country. Start to move by Your Spirit in churches that have forgotten Your glory. Lord, stir the spirit within Your people.
5. Let us pray for unity among the Christians. Then Lord, release intercession in Your people in Greece. May they cry out for their nation according to 2 Chr. 7: 13“When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 14“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
6. Let us pray for the Greek Orthodox Church. They have the soul of the Greek people but they are not refreshing the people’s spirits.
7. Lord we ask for the Holy Spirit to visit the schools across the country and save many children. If the homes in Greece are not honoring the Lord, may the children be exposed to the Gospel elsewhere especially the schools.
8. Lord raise up evangelist in Greece to go pour out their lives for the people.
9. Lord send out the Holy Spirit to compel Greeks to come to the cross. Let not that nation be lost to the enemy. Luke 14:23 “Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”

Pray for Croatia

(Listed 8-16-10)

Summer time in Croatia and many Europeans are vacationing on the Croatian coast, which is considered the eastern Riviera.

1. Vacations are great and we need them to get away and refresh. Let us pray for the vacationers visiting the Croatian coast. We pray that there will be an occasion for them to find the Lord and be truly refreshed by Him.

2. Lord, give the churches in Croatia strategies for reaching these vacationers with the Gospel.

3. Although the youth camps are mostly over with for this summer, we thank the Lord for all He has done in these camps. May the seeds planted in their lives not be stolen by the enemy. (The Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13)

4. Let us pray for the churches of Croatia. Lord, we ask that the Holy Spirit be poured out on Your people. We pray that the pastors would have special encounters with the Lord. Lord, walk with them daily protecting them from the attacks of the enemy.

5. May the pastors and church leaders know the times they live in and seek You for strategies to touch this present generation of Croats.

6. The report is that during the month of July there was a 1% rise in inflation in the Croatian economy. Lord, we pray for financial protection for the churches. We pray for financial increase for the churches also. May money for building materials come in.

7. Pray for the Catholic church of Croatia. Like a lot of European countries the people have a false sense of salvation because of the state church. People believe that because they were baptized as a child then that is all that is required of them. Lord convict the priest (the shepherds) of what Your word really says about being saved by faith, and faith alone.

8. Lord, we ask You to open the hearts of the Croatian people. May they see the real Jesus and the joy of salvation.

For the latest News from CROATIAN EVANGELISTIC OUTREACH CRKVA CJELOVITOG EVANDELJA
Kneza Branimira 11 10 000 Zagreb Croatia >>Click: ceo@cce.hr

Pray for Bulgaria

Usually before I go to the Lord concerning the Bulgarian prayer list, I have learned to check with a dear prayer warrior there named Filip. He always has fresh news and encouragement. Read what he had to share with me at http://www.freebalkans.com/FilipRashevPage.html

1. Filip ask prayer for the many political parties that are complaining about the new government. Lord, we pray that there would be trust in the politics of Bulgaria. May the parties, government workers, and law enforcers be honest with the people about government needs and benefits.
2. Lord, we know government is necessary so we can live in peace. Lord, we just ask for godly people to be positioned by You into government service. Lord, we pray for clean government for Bulgaria. Expose corruption and crime in the ruling class. Actually, there should not be a ruling class but rather just citizens that serve the people.
3. Lord, we ask that the Evangelical churches would have an open door to the government.

Another prayer warrior reports that, like in many parts of the world, the families in Bulgaria are being pulled apart. This goes back to how the communist government taught children Marxist/Atheistic ideas that went against their parents beliefs. These children that were mainly raised by the state, when they started having children, did not have good parenting skills to guide their children. However, the government is now trying to support parents as they raise young children,… One of the ways they are doing this is by increasing the mother’s paid maternity leave… In addition, fathers also receive a 15 day paid leave after the birth… Once the parent’s leave is over, the government will pay grandparents for looking after their grandchildren.

This person also shared that there is an aggressiveness in the children which is causing problems in the schools.

4. Lord, we pray for the families. The roots of any country are the strength of the families. We pray that fathers and mothers would work together to invest in the lives of their children.
5. We pray that parents would seek out godly parenting skills that disciplines and builds character in their children.
6. Thank You, Lord that the government is taking steps to help the parents. Lord, raise up legislators and think tank counselors to guide the government into futher measures to help families.
7. It is reported that students are not actively engaged in learning. Lord, we pray that as You firm up the families to properly care for their children, that they would also pass on the need for education.

Thank you for praying for Bulgaria. God want to do great things in the country and a good relationship between the people and government is important. Direct email to djerilo@yahoo.com

Pray for Bosnia Herzegovina

(Listed 8-2-2010)

Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia, is home to 400,000 people, 95% of whom are nominally Muslim. It still bears the scars of the war that tore apart Yugoslavia in the 1990s; bullet holes and bomb damage mar many of the buildings. Although much of the city has been restored, the people have not forgotten what happened. Whilst I was visiting the city in July, they laid to rest 600 bodies that had been found in a mass grave, victims of the Srebrenica massacre. The theme of the memorial service was “Never Forget” and this is at the heart of the challenge faced by the church in Bosnia.

People never forget their ethnic identity - Bosnian Muslim, Catholic Croat or Orthodox Serb. Religion and nationality are indivisible and to become an evangelical believer means turning your back on your identity, rejecting your people and betraying the memory of all that has happened. Yet people are discovering new life in Christ and becoming a part of one of the 25 churches in the country. In a country of 3.8 million people there are maybe 700 evangelical believers spread around the country. They meet in churches of 20 - 30 people, with just three larger churches of 50 believers. http://www.eurovangelism.org.uk/mainarticles/bosnia10.htm

1. The Srebrenica massacre is truly a scar on Bosnia Herzegovina that will take time to heal. Let us pray that the Lord would especially minister to the victim’s loved ones. What the devil intended for evil and division may it be turned to good.
2. May Srebrenica be a reminder to all three ethnic groups in B-H, Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats, that war has innocent victims and peaceful solutions are worth extra efforts.
3. Let us pray that in Bosnia that to the “never forget” slogan would be added “but forgive”. Those that forgive will be able to go on in life and defeat bitterness.
4. The report above says there may be 700 evangelical believers in the country, a country of almost 4 million people. This needs serious intercession. Pray that God would visit that country.
5. Let us pray for the Christians in B-H. May the Lord hold them in the faith and encourage their hearts. Lord, we ask for Your presence to be in their small gatherings.
6. Lord, send missionaries into Bosnia Herzegovina. Give them strategy to plant churches throughout the country. Break their hearts for this unevengelized land. Help them to learn the language.
7. There are different levels of missionaries; Let us pray for those that will renounce their present life and its comforts to truly go live with the people.
8. Lord, we pray that finances would be raised for the churches in B-H and the pastors and elders would know how to properly apply these monies toward the kingdom.
9. Let us pray for the city Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia Herzegovina. Ninty five percent Muslim is a curse that can stiffle any city. The prayer is; Lord, give Grace to the Christians that live there.
10. Oh, let your heart burn for Bosnia Herzegovina.
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If you have more prayers, concerns and knowledge of needs that you would like to add, please reply to Djerilo@yahoo.com. If you have other information about any of the other Balkan countries please share them also by replying to this email.

Jerry Low, Editor and Webmaster
URL: http://www.freebalkans.com/ Blog: http://www.freebalkans.blogspot.com/
Email: djerilo@yahoo.com

Pray for Albania



The following story touched me, especially when I went to the website and seen the pictures.

In Albania, since 1995, over 500 babies have been abandoned in the streets or in maternity hospitals by their mothers........

The maternity hospitals in Albania do not have the staffing, supplies, or budget to properly feed, clothe, or attend to these infants.

In August 1996, a non-governmental organization, Organization for the Support of Albania’s Abandoned Babies (OSAAB), was created to provide for these children on a daily basis, with the support of Albania’s expatriate community, Albanian women, and individuals and groups abroad.

Prior to the existence of OSAAB, abandoned babies were fed rice water and, occasionally, milk from other mothers in the hospital. They had no clothes or diapers, and were wrapped so tightly in soiled cloth that movement of their arms or legs was impossible for days at a time. They were not given names, but were simply referred to by numbers. They had never experienced the feeling of being held, cuddled, or rocked to sleep to the sound of a soothing voice.

Thanks to the generosity of many people, the babies now receive formula, diapers, and clean clothing on a daily basis. Volunteers visit the hospital daily to feed, hold, and talk to the babies. http://www.osaab.org

1. Let us pray for these abandoned babies asking the Lord for special grace on their behalf. Lord make a way for them to be adopted by loving families.
2. We give thanks for these volunteers that are able to help about a tenth of these abandoned babies. May this organization be granted more money so they can recruit more volunteers.

3. There are good things happening in Albania concerning the economy. Investment is coming into the country although slowly. Let us pray that investment would not only be invested wisely but that productivity in the country would rise.

4. There are reports of churches in Albania getting together to fast and pray one day of each month. Lord, we join our faith with our Albanian brothers and sisters and ask You to be in their mist during prayer but walk with them through each day letting grace do its perfect work.

5. May the churches rise up and touch the social fabric of Albania. Give the pastors vision and strategies to communicate the gospel to the population.

6. Lord, I ask You to put Albania on the hearts of Your church throughout the world. Not only that the saints would pray but they would go or send others. Just as Paul (Ro. 15:19) went to Albania 2,000 years ago, may others hear the call today.

7. Let us pray for the Albanian Bible Institute in Durres, Albania. We pray God would direct them in preparing pastors and Christian workers of Albania. Read more at http://albanianbibleinstitute.com

Pray for KOSOVO

I am sorry I am just now getting this out. Monday July 19th was Susie and my 24th anniversary so that was a priority. I came across the following article and felt it was time to pray for Kosovo.

[There will be] an important ruling this Thursday, July 22 by the International Court of Justice in the Hague. In response to a request by Serbia, it will announce an advisory opinion on the legality of Kosovo’s declaration of independence.

I will be in Kosovo, reporting on the reaction to the ICJ’s ruling. I suppose there are three possible outcomes: that the court rules in favor of Serbia, it rules in favor of Kosovo, or, (most likely) it comes up with a more nuanced opinion, that Kosovo and Serbia will interpret in different ways.

On the face of it, the rhetoric coming out of both Belgrade and Pristina is uncompromising. Serbia says that after the ICJ has given its opinion, it will ask the UN General Assembly to pass a resolution demanding new talks on Kosovo’s status. The government in Pristina says its sovereignty is not negotiable, and that Serbia is refusing to confront reality.

And yet, both sides have strong incentives to reach an agreement.
Serbia wants to get into the EU, and may worry that a protracted struggle over Kosovo will annoy Britain, France and Germany. Kosovo wants to be a normal country, that can apply for UN membership, that can participate in international sport, that has an internationally recognized passport, and so on.
http://blogs.aljazeera.net/europe/2010/07/19/important-week-kosovo

1. Let us pray for this Kosovo/Serbia conflict. It is a problem in the heart of the Balkans. There is so much hatred between the Kosovars and Serbs. Lets pray for peace.
2. We know that no human or international court can render judgments that make everyone happy. Let us pray that their verdict would not be one sided and inflame more hate.
3. The people in Kosovo are very poor. Let us pray that the system will be fixed so investment can pour in and productivity can increase.
4. Lord, we ask You to expose and bring confusion to random and organized crime.
5. Lord, we pray for the rule of law to be executed fairly for all the people.
6. Let us pray for protection for the Christians in Kosovo. May they not be harassed by the Muslim majority.
7. Lord, take the hatred toward the Muslims out of the hearts of the Christians. May that be a divine message to they at this time.
8. Lord, show the churches how to reach out to their Muslim neighbors. Give them a strategy of how to win the hearts of the lost and confused Kosovars.

Matthew 5: 43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you

For my statement (opinion) on Kosovo go to, http://freebalkans.com/NEWS.html

Pray for Turkey

Although Turkey has a secular constitution that offers religious freedom, that is not actually the case. I say “offers” because it is not enforced. Overwhelming favor is always shown to Islam. Turkey officials boast about quickly arresting those that attack other religions, but for some reason they never go to court. Radical Islam has been disfavored In Turkey in the past, but it is gaining acceptance, especially since 9-11. Most likely the man on the street does not know what religious freedom really means. To him not being Muslim is just not being Turkish.

1) Let us pray for the people in Turkey that they would strive to be Turks and realize that is separate from Islam. It is a good thing to be a Turk with a distinct history (good and bad).
2) Although peoples’ hearts are won on a one to one level or family level, Let us pray for the government to stand by their freedom of religion laws.
3) Let us pray that Turks would know that freedom of conscience is a fundamental human right.
4) Let us pray that Turks would hear the real Christian message of how Jesus went forth doing good not encouraging crusades. Jesus never converted others at the point of a sword.
5) Lord, we ask You to confuse the enemy and bring disunity and adherence to radical Islam. As a culture Muslims may be peaceful but radical Islam is a criminal mind set.

6) Let us pray for the Christians in Turkey. My they be able to live peaceful lives in the mist of Islam’s lies.
7) Lord show them how to be examples of Your good works to their neighbors.
8) Lord we pray for the Houses of Prayer that are popping up in Turkey. Lord, this is Your wisdom at work to impact a culture. Houses of Prayer not only create a center for prayer warfare but they help mature the Christians so they can plan strategies for building the Kingdom.
9) Lord, we pray for protection for those missionaries that You have sent into Turkey. May they teach the Turkish Christians the joy of serving You.

Acts 14: 1-3 Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

10) Lord, we ask that signs and wonders would be performed at the hands of Turkish believers as they speak boldly in Your name.

Extra reading: http://www.austindailyherald.com/news/2010/jul/05/true-religious-freedom-not-be-found-turkey/ , http://article.nationalreview.com/437766/turkey-christians-in-danger/john-f-cullinan, http://www.wnponline.org/wnp/wnp1005/turkey-crossroads.htm, http://www.two-fot.org/ Also read the book of Acts to see how the people in Turkey (Asia Minor) quickly received the Gospel from the disciples.

We want to know how you feel about this Blogspot, so please use the comments link below. If you have information about any of the other Balkan countries please share them also by commenting. Thanks for sharing a burden for the Balkan countries. There is a continual testimony throughout Christian history of revivals and before they broke out intercessory prayer went first. There are different theologies on this matter, but prayer moves the hand of God. Know that your prayers are not in vane; God will have mercy on the Balkan people. Someday you will see God's glory there and you will be able to say, "I prayed for that".

- Jerry Low, Editor and Webmaster

URL: http://www.freebalkans.com
Email: djerilo@yahoo.com

~PRAY FOR SLOVENIA~

Its [Slovenia’s] economy shrank 7.8 percent last year and a further 1.2 percent year-on-year in the first quarter. The government now expects growth of just 0.6 percent for the whole of 2010 and the resulting lower tax revenues have forced [Prime Minister] Pahor's cabinet to revise its budget plans. The planned measures have encountered strong opposition from trade unions, pensioners and students, while further mass protests are expected in the coming months if the government goes ahead with the measures.

In light of the above news, let us pray:
1. That the economy of Slovenia would not fall but stand in the mist of present hard times.
2. That wisdom would be given to Prime Minister Pahor and his cabinet as to what should be done. Pharaoh had a Joseph, may PM Pahor have a Joseph also.
3. If protest erupt, may they be peaceful and not of a violent nature. May the hurting be heard and the radicals be silenced.

Maribor, 3 July (STA) - Daily Vecer says in Saturday's commentary that Slovenia is still far from being a modern democratic society as the gay parade, which takes places today in Ljubljana, is still a burning social and political topic.

4. We thank the Lord that “Slovenia is still far from being a modern democratic society” in regards to homosexuals on display. Lord, we pray for the moral climate of Slovenia. May the people be repulsed by sin in their mist. May there be a rightful shame showed toward homosexuals and an encouragement to change.
5. 1 Peter 4:17
For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? We pray for heart-felt repentance in the churches.
6. We pray that the churches in Slovenia would denounce sin, teach how God offers forgiveness and how to walk in the blessings of the Lord.
7. Another issue in Slovenia and other parts of the Balkans is people cheating on their jobs. This is a financial drain also in that productive is minimized. Pray that Christians would set an example of diligence at work and therefore reap the blessings.
8. Lord, we pray for a move of the Holy Spirit in the churches of Slovenia. Lord, visit your people with signs and wonders. Lord, show unmistakable signs of Your omnipresence.
9. Lord, as Your Spirit is poured out and people come to repentance, give wisdom to the pastors and teachers to care for the new saints.
10. Lord, we just trust Your faithfulness to touch Slovenia in a special way this week and for evermore.

DATED PRAYER NEED: [Rob from Texas] I am leading the next team of missionaries to Bijelo Polje [Montenegro] this week. I found your prayer request for our work and it was a great encouragement to us. We will be presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ publicly on Tuesday night, July 6. Our prayer is that the truth of Jesus will be revealed. That God's salvation power will be released in Bijelo Polje and across Montenegro. Thank you for your prayerful support. May God richly bless you and your efforts to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all the Balkans.

~ PRAY for SERBIA ~

It is reported by Euromonitor International , a leader in independent business intelligence covering industry, marketplace and consumer trends, reports that Serbia:

a. Has an aging population
b. That poverty is increasing
c. Visa restrictions have been loosened
d. Corruption continues to be a problem not only concerning justice but limiting start-up businesses.

Ever since World War II there has been an exodus of young people out of Serbia, especially in the past twenty years as communist fell. Serbian people left for economic success elsewhere. This was true in the churches also leaving many with an aging congregation.

Psalm 103:4-6 (NKJV) 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6 The LORD executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed.
1. Let us pray that Serbia’s youth will be renewed. There are encouraging signs of youth coming back to the churches. Lord we ask You to save the youth from alcohol and drugs and give them hope.
2. Let us come against poverty in our prayers. Let us call upon the Lord to satisfy Serbia with substance.
3. Let us pray against evil destructive words being spoken against Serbia. The Lord has good plans for Serbia and wants to release freedom and productivity.
4. Lord we cry out for justice to triumph in the land. We pray first for the wicked to repent and seek Your mercy. Second, that government officials, law officers and judges would execute just laws that promote peaceful co-existence.
5. Let us pray against the negative side of visa restrictions; that people with evil intentions would not be able to get those visas to come into Serbia. Give discernment to border guards to recognize these wicked people.
6. Let us pray for President Boris Tadic, especially in light of the following statements he has made regarding fighting crime in Serbia:

Serbian President Boris Tadic

Development of institutions is a prerequisite of a successful fight against corruption and organized crime, and the further association of the region with the EU is essential for this process, said Serbian President Boris Tadic while opening the round table “Challenges in the Fight Against Corruption in Southeastern Europe”,…

Corruption is a form of social malignancy that stops development and undermines institutions. Where corruption acts, the state withdraws, where [the] state acts, corruption withdraws, said Tadic, reminding that corruption was incorporated into the very structure of society in the 1990s. “Corruption is a form of expected and favored behavior that entered into the culture of the West Balkan societies and thus the very society imposed corruption on citizens,” said Tadic.
He said that Serbia remains committed to the fight against corruption and organized crime and that no one is protected from liability for violations of the law, regardless of party affiliation, family ties or roles in society over the past decade. Still, corruption is also a global problem, so that countries should closely cooperate to eradicate this phenomenon,” Tadic said adding that development of the state and institutions is the responsibility and challenge our epoch. http://flarenetwork.org/blog/2010/06/28/serbia-regional-fight-against-corruption/

7. Lord, we ask for Your protection for President Tadic.
8. Lord, we ask You to surround him with wise counselors. Expose those people around him that belong to corrupt elements and give him boldness to cut off their influence.
9. Help President Tadic to make a stand against corruption and not look back.
James 1: 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

There are reports of pastors in Serbia coming together in unity. This is truly an answer to prayer.
10. Lord, we pray for continued unity among the pastors. May they see that unity disrupts the enemies plans.
11. We pray for the finances of the churches. Release the joy of giving in the people’s hearts. Lord, help the pastors to stay full-time in ministry and not have to take secular jobs.
12. Lord, we pray for the marketplace in Serbia. Send the Christians out into the marketplace with joy. We actually pray that Christians will dominate the marketplace. Lord, move Christians into key positions of present government and non-government institutions.

PRAY FOR ROMANIA
Listed June 21, 2010

When the Moldavian prince Stephen the Great won his first decisive victory against the Turks five and a quarter centuries ago, he decided to mark the occasion with a grand monastery and adorn its walls with the colorful work of artisans of the day. With his second victory came another monastery. With the third, yet another. Because of border changes these colorful monasteries are now in Northeast Romania.
– Let us think about this; A king builds houses for prayer, meditation and study of the Word to commemorate his victories. Oh, that we could have leaders like that now days. http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/travel/20cultured.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

1) Lord we pray for the leaders of Romania and ask You to direct their decisions. We look to these officials to maintain a civil atmosphere of peace so the Gospel can be freely preached.
- a. Pray for President, Traian BASESCU
- b. Pray for Prime Minister, Emil BOC
- c. Pray for all members of Parliament
- d. Especially pray for Min. of Culture & Religious Affairs, Kelemen HUNOR
2) Let us pray that government would not try to influence the churches but that the churches would fulfill their duty to raise up righteous leaders.
3) Let us pray for financial blessings for the people of Romania.
- a. May their fields be abundant with produce this summer.
- b. May their factories produce goods the world needs.
- c. May they lend and not borrow.

As we advance in Romanian history let us take an example from “The Lord‘s Army” (Oastea Domnului). In the 1920s there was a preist named Fr. Trifa. God began to move on his heart, and he began to see the need for spiritual awakening and repentance in Romania. He published a series of articles and books on this theme, and in January 1923 the foundations for the Lord’s Army were laid with an article he published in The Light of the Villages. The following years brought forth … remarkable transformation throughout the country: thousands of people, villagers and intellectuals alike, turned aside from worldly lives and turned to prayer and repentance. Taverns were converted into places of prayer, and entire villages were awakened to take their Orthodox faith seriously. In 1929 Fr. Trifa purchased a printing press, and for the next 15 years it turned out tracts, books, and calendars focused on prayer and repentance under the banner of the Lord’s Army. From most reports, during the communist years, although they had to go underground, they stayed true to the faith while other church organizations submitted to government control. http://jaspax.com/archives/2005/03/oastea-domnului-the-lords-army
4) Although the Lord’s Army has stayed within the Orthodox Church they have pointed many to the full-Gospel. Lord revive the Lord’s Army again. Every open door they have for the Gospel’s sake may they run through it.
5) There are many good things happening for the Gospel’s sake in Romania. Lord, we ask that every seed planted would yield a hundred-fold. Mark 4:8 But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”
6) Lord raise up a glorious church in Romania where all expressions of faith can show Jesus’ love.

Back in May of 2009 we had prayed this prayer; “Let us pray about the diasporas of Romanians. This can be called a “brain drain”. Because of a lack of opportunity in Romania people left in search of [a] better future. Let us pray for the Christians that have left Romania. Lord we pray they not forget Romania but be moved to pray and ask You how they can sow seeds back into Romania. Lord we pray for a movement of Christians going back to Romania, pastors, evangelist and business entrepreneurs.” Last Sunday at church a former Romanian pastor, who had immigrated to the states a few years ago, told me his business was failing here and he was going back to Romania. I was so happy because when I first met Constantine years ago I just knew he and his family was to go back. (I wasn’t happy about his business failing)
7) Let us pray for Constantine Hateganu and his family as they return to Romania. May the Lord open doors of opportunity beyond his dreams. As he takes his entrepreneur spirit into his homeland, Lord just make a way for him to prosper and be at peace. Lord, I pray that you will give him the spiritual keys to the city he is going to.

8) Lord we pray for all the Pastors and Priest in Romania. Lord, supply them with their needs and those that “live to give” open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing they can’t contain.
9) The pastors have little theological training. Lord we ask that first of all these pastors be taught by the Holy Spirit and doors of Bible training be opened to them.
10) Let us pray for Apostles to be raised up in Romania. Apostles that will go throughout Romania establishing Churches that rest on sound Christian doctrine.
11) We pray for evangelism outreach to the children in Romania. Lord, work through the Christian summer camps. Lord, release finances for these camps so even more children can participate. Prepare the workers and reward them for giving of their time.
12) Let us remember the Gypsies in Romania and pray the revival among them would continue.

Pray For Montenegro

1) Let us pray for the children of Montenegro. As Montenegro modernizes, there are many pitfalls for children.
a. Let us pray that the families would be strong and be a safe place for the children. Pray that parents would understand the new things children need to learn to survive in a modern world but not abandon their parental responsibilities.
b. There are outside forces that want to affect the children in the schools; one of them being UNICEF and their push for children’s rights. Pray that the children would not be taught to disrespect their parents but regard parental wisdom and guidance as essential to life. See NOTE #1
c. In the name of Jesus we come against the neglect of children in Montenegro. Lord, strike down those forces coming against the families; economic, alcohol and drug abuse, divorce, etc.
d. Lord, we ask for open doors to the schools for Christian organizations. May the evangelical churches have an extended burden for the children in their local areas.
e. Help the churches to develop programs to attract the Children.
f. Let us pray for the Summer Youth camps planned by the churches this summer. Lord, give the pastors and teachers planning wisdom.
g. May there be adequate finances for the camps. Help them to stretch their resources to bring maximum benefit to all the children involved.
h. Let us pray that there would be no fears by the parents in letting their children attend these camps. Lord, even reach the lost families through the children.
i. There is a need for the building of a permanent youth camp site. There are plans being drawn up for this; Let us pray for the finances, perfect site to build on, personnel and project management.

Bijelo Polje (is a town in northern Montenegro. It has a population of 15,883 (2003 census). Bijelo Polje is the center of the municipality of the same name (population of 50,284), which is part of geographical region of Sandžak. It is unofficial center of north-eastern region of Montenegro. Bijelo Polje means literally "White Field" in Serbian.

2) There is a church in Dallas, Texas (MacArthur Baptist) that is trying to plant a church in Bijelo Polje, Montenegro. This area of Sandzak is hard ground and there is already tension with the Muslims. Lord, we believe You can plow up this hard ground so the seeds of the Gospel can be planted.
3) Lord, we ask You to do an amazing work in Bijelo Polje and the Sandzak area. Raise up a church of Christians that will impact the area.
4) Lord we lift up the eastern side of Montenegro. There are also accusations between Montenegro and Kosovo over border lines. (See NOTE #2) Lord let there be peace in the Balkans and no more wars.
5) There was a request to pray for the Brethren Assembly in Montenegro. It seems that divisive forces and legalism are attacking the unity of the church. Lord, we pray that the head of the enemy that is trying to causing disunity be cut off. May the saints see Your forgiveness, Lord, and may they choose to forgive one another.
6) Lord, we ask You to touch the Brethren pastor in a special way. Give him hope and show him Your grace. Let the Holy Spirit flow through him and disarm his enemies.

NOTE #1: Read more concerning UNICEF, Promoting participation in Montenegro and the ‘Juvenile Justice System Reform’ Project at http://www.unicef.org/montenegro/reallives_14597.html.
NOTE #2: Bajram Rexhepi, interior minister of Kosovo, accused Montenegrin officials of turning a blind eye to the encroachment of its territory, according to the Friday edition of the Pristina daily Kosova Sot. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-06/12/c_13346115.htm


If you have more prayers, concerns and knowledge of needs that you would like to add, please reply to this email and they will be added to the Montenegro webpage on www.freebalkans.com. If you have information about any of the other Balkan countries please share them also by replying to this email. Corrections are more than welcome also.

Jerry Low, Editor and Webmaster
URL: http://www.freebalkans.com/

Email: djerilo@yahoo.com

Skype ID: iamjerrylow

Donation are welcome at http://freebalkans.com/contactus.html

Macedonia (FYROM)
Listed 6-7-2010

Note From Jerry, Prayer Coordinator: Usually by Friday I start doing research on the next week’s country that is to be targeted for prayer. Then on Sunday evening I start seeking the Lord for the direction of the prayer points and wrap it up Monday morning in time to send out the emails. This past weekend I was either not focused or other things were pressing my time. I finally sat down this (Monday) afternoon to seek the Lord, first asking His forgiveness as I waited on His leading. One thing I had done on Friday was to send an email to a brother in Macedonia asking for his input. So I went to my email to see if he had responded. He had responded and as I read his suggested prayer points I heard the Lord say, “This is it, you need not add anything.” So the following is from a fellow prayer warrior, Bryan Brenchley. He references many scriptures and I suggest you look them up and pray the Word over the matter.

Jerry:
Thank you so much for your consistent and persistent prayers for the Balkans and all you are doing to call people to pray. That is the most important thing we can do. This is a critical time for Macedonia and I am glad to share with you some current prayer requests:

Government of Macedonia:
The government is stuck in a difficult position regarding leading Macedonia into the NATO and the European Union. Greece does not accept that Macedonia should be called “Republic of Macedonia”. Nor do they accept the historical identity of ethnic Macedonians. Without an agreeable change to both of these conditions Greece is able to block Macedonia’s entry into both of these organizations. The government and people are frustrated. This problem is mostly spiritual and not political. Recently God seems to be making this clear to many people.
About a month ago the President of Macedonia, Georgi Ivanov, did invite pastors from the Protestant Churches of Skopje to meet with him and to pray with him for Macedonia. He asked the pastors and churches to continue to pray for this issue to be resolved.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Thank the Lord that He is using this “roadblock” to to turn hearts toward Him.
2. Thank the Lord for opening up the heart of the President to reach out to the pastors. Pray that the pastors will be faithful in praying and leading the local church to pray for the government and for the country.
3. Pray that the Lord will open up a deeper relationship between the Protestant Church and the government leaders of Macedonia.
4. Pray Psalm 33:12 over Macedonia:
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.

Relationship with Greece:
The relationship between believers in Macedonia and Greece is almost non-existent. This needs to change soon.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Pray Ephesians 2:14-18 over the Church in Macedonia and Greece – that we would agree Him “who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” and that we are now reconciled to God and having the one and same Father.
2. Pray John 15:11-14 over the believers in Macedonia and Greece – that we would love one another as He loves us, that we would lay down our lives for one another as He has done for us.”
3. Pray that the Church in Macedonia would pray for and bless the nation and people of Greece. Pray that the Lord would release again a “giving spirit” among the Macedonian people according to Philippians 4:14-16.
4. Pray that the Lord would open up a door for Macedonian believers to meet with Greek believers in the next month.

Evangelical Church in Macedonia:
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Thank the Lord for a gathering of over 200 intercessors who met to pray and worship the Lord together in Skopje on the Global Day of Prayer, May 23, 2010.
2. Thank the Lord for an increased spirit of reconciliation that He is releasing in the Church in Macedonia. There are initial talks now for some churches that went through a split over 12 years ago to meet and to reconcile.
3. Pray that the Lord would continue to pour out a spirit of unity over the Church in Macedonia according to Jesus prayer in John 17:20-23.
4. Pray that the Lord would bless a new initiative to establish a Bible and Practical Ministry training school in Skopje. Ask the Lord to release teachers and funding needed to translate materials.
5. Pray for the establishment of a House of Prayer in Skopje and in cities throughout Macedonia – in response to the Lord’s desire of Isaiah 66:1:
This is what the LORD says:
"Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
Where is the house you will build for me?
Where will my resting place be?


I hope that this gives you some current and practical prayer points to share with those who are interceding for Macedonia this week.

Blessings in Christ,
Bryan

NOTE: If you desire to encourage Bryan, send the email to me and I will forward it to him.
If you have more prayers, concerns and knowledge of needs that you would like to add, please reply to this email and they will be added to the Macedonia webpage on www.freebalkans.com. If you have information about any of the other Balkan countries please share them also by replying to this email. Also send an email just to acknowledge you are praying with us. Remember we are effecting nations with our prayers and His Kingdom is expanding.

Pray for Greece

(listed 6-1-2010)
We just want to thank the Lord for the Greek Orthodox Church and how they have stood for the Gospel for two centuries now. Peter and Paul both spoke of a day when evil men “walking according to their own lust,” would creep in and water down the promises given to the fathers that fell asleep. Even Orthodox Greeks will admit that the Orthodox Church is no longer a transforming institution in the Greek culture. As we pray and contend for the lost souls of Greece, we can’t ignore the Greek Orthodox Church. Let us remember the following scriptures as we pray for the Greek Orthodox Church.
Acts 17: 13But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Peter 1:3 2that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
Jude 16These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. 17But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.
1) Lord Just as, (Jude) 9Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”, We too rebuke the Devil and his attacks on the Orthodox Church.
2) Lord can You redeem a weak and dying institution that once proclaimed Your name? Lord we know that all things can be done through You. Lord we ask You to breathe life on the old Orthodox Church.
3) In the GOC the apostles are held in great esteem. May the Greek people return to the teachings and warnings of the Apostles.
4) Lord, we pray for the priest in the GOC. May they be visited by the Holy Spirit and turned into new men ready to proclaim the Full-Gospel. That they would no longer be, “sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.”

The English word "evangelism" comes from the Greek euangelizo, literally "to announce good news," and the English word "gospel" a translation of the Greek euangelion, "good news." Inherent in both of the Greek terms is the notion of proclamation.

5) Lord, raise up evangelist from the Greek people. It was mainly the Greek evangelist of the first and second centuries that took the gospel to Europe. Let it happen again Lord.
6) Lord, we thank you for the evangelical churches in Greece, especially the way the Pentecostals have proclaimed the Gospel. May the evangelicals not let those that cause divisions come in.
7) Anything that has been lost in the evangelical churches, Lord, restore.
8) Just as we ask that the Lord visit the priest, so may He visit the pastors. They are all shepherds watching over the Lord’s flock.
9) Lord, we pray for a move of the Holy Spirit in Greece. As a nation, Greeks have lost touch with Your blessings. May they call upon You Lord and be saved.

Greece looks like it is about to disintegrate. On May 5, over 30,000 demonstrators overran the streets of Athens. They began their protest at the Field of Ares—named after the Greek god of war. Many were there to do battle—Molotov cocktails, gas masks and sticks their weapons of choice. “It’s not unusual in Greece for a small minority to cause trouble during a protest, but on Wednesday the rage ran deeper… http://www.thetrumpet.com/index.php?q=7225.0.125.0
10) Lord we pray for the economic condition of Greece. Economic ministers have been irresponsible with their financial responsibilities. Lord bring justice into this situation. Those that are ranting and raving, may they consider their own personal responsibilities first and how they bought into a system that was doomed to fail. Lord we ask for calm.
11) Lord, You only know the lessons that need to be learned out of the financial crisis in Greece. Lord, as You pass a judgment on Greece, we pray for the poor that You would supernaturally meet their needs and draw them to You, the true source of substance.

The Greek government has announced it will start taxing churches as part of its efforts to get out of its financial crisis. A new draft bill to be tabled in parliament next week (June 2010) imposes a 20 per cent tax on the Orthodox church’s real estate income, reportedly worth over 10 million Euros (US $14.8 million) a year, the Wall Street Journal reports.
http://blog.echurchwebsites.org.uk/2010/03/25/greek-government-announced-start-taxing-churches-part-efforts-financial-crisis/
12) If they tax one group of churches, they will tax all. May this law not pass.

Let us believe that Greece will be a shining light once again.

PRAY FOR CROATIA, (Listed May 24, 2010)

Croatia has many shipping ports and depends on revenues from the shipping industries. Some of its ports are losing money and controlling interest may have to be sold to foreign companies.
1) Let us pray for the shipping business in Croatia. First we ask for Croatian privateers to find financial sources to invest. Give them open doors to more shipping markets. Lord, we also ask for Christians to fine favor in transport and shipping.
2) Lord, we pray for economic stability in Croatia. May wise government ministers and captains of industry take positions of leadership.

Croatia is where the East and West meet. It is a border land of two cultures. The language is an example; Slavic but written in Roman characters. It is part of the Balkans, which taken together geographically, seems to be the birth place of contention. Many huge conflicts have come out of this area that pulls relationally many other nations into the fray. The Balkans has always been where the strongest lines of defense have been drawn and penetrated along ethnic boundaries. Currently, many of the Balkan Nations are asking for EU membership and are unable to move forward into their place of promise without a new mindset over racial issues. http://www.gloryofzion.org/outmail/5-7-10_CroatiaOnline.htm (Some of the following prayers are taken from this website. Also see this webpage for insight on praying for Croatia: http://www.gloryofzion.org/outmail/5-11-10_TheSoundsofSupplyOnline.htm )

3) We believe God for a new day for Croatia. Lord two cultures and two areas of the world can be reached from there. Lord release more multi-ethnic ministries from Croatia.
Lord, You say that on Judgment Day, tribes and nations will stand before You. This does not sound like multicultural empires. We just pray against political/economic entanglements that bring a curse not a blessing.
4) Pray for the strategies of the Lord to be released to the pastors of Croatia and for them to rise up and stand as the Army of the Lord.
5) Let there be unity among Pastors and Priest. Let them humble themselves before one another, being willing to wash the feet of their peers.
6) Pray that the Croatian Christians would believe in the new day coming. Lord, release expectancy in their hearts.
7) Pray for worship to be energized and fervent in the churches so that heaven and earth connect.
8) Pray for Signs, Wonders and Miracles to demonstrate the Word of the Lord in the Croatian churches.
9) Pray for the Catholic church of Croatia. Like a lot of European countries the people have a false sense of salvation because of the state church. People believe that because they were baptized as a child then that is all that is required of them. Lord, convict the priests (the shepherds) of what Your word really says about being saved by faith, and faith alone. What great damnation is set aside for those that falsely led others!

10) Every year a flood of tourist come to the Adriatic Sea along the Croatian coast to vacation. That season is starting as we pray.
11) Lord, give the Christians a strategy to present the gospel to the vacationers. Release to these people a vacation that will never end.
12) The Croatian churches are good about ministering to children. As they are planning their summer programs, pray that they may devise ways to reach out to the un-churched children in the cities and villages. Many children look forward to the summer camps; this year Lord, pour out your Spirit like never before.
13) Like Serbia, Croatia sacrificed much to hold back the spread of Islam in centuries past. Pray that Croatia may once again stand strong against cults and false religions.
As radio and television stations in Croatia seek out content to fill their air time, there is opportunity for gospel programming. Lord, we ask for the release of creativity to produce broadcasts that reach the populace right where they are at. Not religious but spiritually alive with relevant content that speaks to the hearts of the people.

NOTE: I keep getting emails from pastors in the Balkans saying, “God is starting to move here,” and “Peoples’ hearts are changing.” Don’t stop praying, God is on the move in the Balkans.